NOT Free to Practice Her Faith AND Play Basketball

Please see the links below. Is this just another sign that we don't live in a free country that supports the Judeo-Christian (and Islamic) values of modesty? Far too many people out there still think that Muslim women only practice modesty because their fathers, husbands or the Taliban force them to. Just a few decades ago, virtues like modesty and chastity were appreciated by most people in this country. Now, however, wanting to be "free to do whatever I want" is the dominant ideology, thus what used to be understood as virtues are now seen as vices. Likewise, religious piety, devotions and restrictions are seen as forms of oppression, rather than something that truly liberates the spirit from the servitude of created things.

In this case, I'm happy to see that this new American convert to Islam is not compromising her faith and using good judgment as well.

Muslim player who wanted USF uniform exemption quits team
Fox Sports, 9/15/04

If you want to read an excellent article on the Islamic headscarf (hijab) from the perspective on an American Muslim woman, please check this out:

Unveiled Frustrations: Notes to Non-Muslims from a Muslim Woman
by Saraji Umm Zaid

This is a thoughtful article which I feel articulately and forcefully expresses the views of many, if not most, Muslim women who wear the hijab. Thank you, Umm Zaid, for putting the "experts", critics and "Progressive Muslims" in their place.